Know More, Test More
Syphilis may be on the rise, but there’s a lot we can do to stop its spread.
While syphilis and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) aren’t things anyone wants to deal with, the truth is they’re more common than you might think — and very treatable when caught early. Taking charge of your sexual health starts with staying informed and getting tested regularly.
Find your nearest testing site below. You can also book an online appointment with Medicuro or call the Provincial Healthline (811) for testing.
Find Your Nearest Testing Site
Province Wide Testing Options
Test.
Getting tested for syphilis and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) is a key part of protecting your health and the health of others. Syphilis can have no symptoms at first but still be transmitted and cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Regular testing is quick, confidential, free, and it’s the only way to know for sure. Testing is care — for yourself and your community.
Treat.
The good news? Syphilis is usually easy to treat — often just one round of an antibiotic, like penicillin, does the trick.
It’s important to hold off on any sexual activity that could spread the infection until your treatment is complete and any symptoms have cleared up. Book a follow-up with your healthcare provider to help make sure the infection is fully gone.
Prevent.
Taking care of your health is important — it starts with making safer choices.
Using condoms and other barriers during sex helps protect against syphilis and other STBBI’s. If you use drugs, try to avoid sharing needles or equipment. These small steps go a long way in keeping you and others safe. Pair them with regular testing, and you’re doing a lot to look after yourself and your community.
Test. Treat. Prevent.
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted and blood borne infection (STBBI) caused by bacteria. It is passed through sex (oral, vaginal, or anal). Syphilis can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth (this is called congenital syphilis), which can lead to serious complications like miscarriage, premature birth, or newborn death. Babies born with syphilis need prompt treatment to prevent long-term health issues.
Campaign Acknowledgements
Campaign Coordinator: Julia Abundo, Provincial Coordinator of HIV/HCV Services, AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
Campaign Committee Members
- Amy Barnes, Program Manager, Public Health, NL Health Services
- Andrea Cooper, Acting Manager Program Delivery, Public Health Agency of Canada – Atlantic Region, NL Office
- Andrea Doyle, Population and Public Health Nurse Practitioner, Communicable Disease Control, NL Health Services
- Anita Forward, Health Promotion Consultant – Sexual Health, Population & Public Health Department, NL Health Services
- Bonnie Randell, Executive Director, Family Outreach Resource Centre
- Carol Lacey, Regional CDC/IPAC Coordinator, NL Health Services
- Cheryl Foo, Medical Officer of Health, Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Danica Genge, Regional Health Promotion Coordinator, Population Health, NL Health Services
- Deanne Small, Manager of Public Health, Central Zone, NL Health Services
- Dee Dee Voisey, Public Health Nurse, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation
- Gerard Yetman, Executive Director, AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Hannah Tilley, Social Marketing Consultant, Health Promotion, Population & Public Health, Eastern Zones, NL Health Services
- Jade Rachwel, S.H.I.E.L.D Project Manager, Labrador Friendship Centre
- Janie Kean, Director of Public Health, Central Zone, NL Health Services
- Jessica Hackett, Program Manager, SWAP Corner Brook, AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Karen Colbourne, Public Health Officer, Canadian Public Health Service, Public Health Agency of Canada
- Kathleen Benuen, Director, Mushuau Innu Health Commission
- Lisa Pastuck, Public Health Nurse, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation
- Mary Pia Benuen, Director, Primary Health, Mani Ashini Clinic, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation
- Miranda O’Driscoll, Provincial Disease Control Registered Nurse Specialist, Population Health, Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nazlee Ogunyemi, Medical Officer of Health, NL Health Services
- Seretha Wheaton, Team Lead, Harm Reduction Program, Primary Care, NL Health Services
- Shan Ruddy-Gutscher, Safe Harbour Outreach Project (SHOP) Program Support Worker, St. John’s Status of Women Council
- Stephanie O’Brien, Health Promotion Consultant, Public Health Division, Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Susan Smith, Community Relations Program Coordinator, Bell Island Support Network
- Sylvia Doody, Director of Health Services, Department of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government
- Tina Buckle, Community Health Nursing Coordinator, Department of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government
- Tina Tobin, Director of Public Health, Labrador-Grenfell/Western Zones, NL Health Services
With thanks to YMCA of Exploits Valley, Mokami Status of Women Council, Planned Parenthood NL, and all other collaborators and partners.
